Aston Villa predicted lineup vs Chelsea - Premier League

Aston Villa host Chelsea on Boxing Day, hoping to continue what has been a hugely encouraging start to Steven Gerrard's tenure.

The new Villa boss has overseen four wins in his opening six games in the dugout - beating Brighton, Crystal Palace, Leicester and most recently Norwich - and has only seen his side narrowly beaten by Manchester City and Liverpool.

The Villans' schedule was interrupted last time out as their clash with Burnley was postponed due to a rise in Covid-19 cases within the squad. Heading into their first fixture in 13 days, Gerrard has admitted to being unsure of his players' availability for the visit of Chelsea but, as most players out with Covid-19 now return to action, we can assume that the lineup could look similar to the one that beat the Canaries 2-0 last time out.

Here's who the Villa boss could field to trump a Chelsea side enduring a slightly rocky patch.

Aston Villa predicted lineup vs Chelsea - Premier League

1. Goalkeeper & Defenders

Emi Martinez (GK) - Has missed just one of Villa's 17 Premier League fixtures so far this term, keeping five clean sheets in the process.

Matty Cash (RB) - Has been fantastic in recent weeks, epitomising the tenacity, energy and drive of Gerrard's side from right-back.

Ezri Konsa (CB) - The natural first-choice partner to Tyrone Mings, Konsa is set for a 16th league start of the campaign.

Tyrone Mings (CB) - Will more than likely continue to skipper the side from the heart of the back line, having done so 15 times in the Premier League this term.

Matt Targett (LB) - Slightly overshadowed by his fellow full-back's attacking prowess, Targett can be just as threatening when marauding up and down his own flank.

2. Midfielders

John McGinn (CM) - Seems tailor-made for a Gerrard side and, with his bite and dynamism, is a dead cert to continue to feature in midfield for as long as possible.

Douglas Luiz (CM) - Marvelous Nakamba is guaranteed to miss the next couple of months due to a knee injury so, if available, Luiz should be set to anchor the side once more.

Jacob Ramsey (CM) - Developing very well in the Villa midfield and, following his sensational solo goal at Carrow Road last time out, is pretty much nailed on to start if fit.

3. Forwards

Emi Buendia (RF) - Has somewhat picked up his performances since the arrival of the new boss and looks more of a creative threat than in the early stages of the campaign.

Olli Watkins (ST) - A key cog of Gerrard's collective, Watkins has notched three goals and an assist since the 41-year-old's introduction.

Ashley Young (LF) - With Leon Bailey's continued stint on the sidelines, it will likely fall upon Young to complete this Christmas tree formation for Villa's festive clash.

You can read 90min's full preview of the match here.
You can find a predicted lineup for Chelsea here.